Facebook Rolls Out Mobile Security Enhancements

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Facebook has introduced three new features to bolster the
security of its hundreds of millions of members accessing the
site on their smartphones.

The first new improvement is the Code Generator, designed to make
it easier for smartphone users to confirm logins made on new
devices.

"Before, if you had any difficulties receiving SMS or had poor
cellular service, it was often tough to use Login Approvals
easily," Facebook wrote on its
security blog. An extra security step, the Login Approval
feature requires users to enter a special code each time they
access Facebook from a new computer or mobile device.

With Code Generator, "users will be able to receive Login
Approval codes through your Facebook Application, without waiting
on an SMS." The Code Generator will work even if the user has no
cellular or Internet access.

Currently, Code Generator is available on Android devices;
Facebook is working to expand the feature to other smartphones
and tablets.

Smartphone social networkers can now also report unwanted or
inappropriate content to Facebook directly from their mobile
device. This flag and report function exists on computers, but
until now hasn't been available on phones.

The third security improvement enables users whose accounts have
been compromised to lock them, and reset their password, from
their smartphone, a feature previously available only on
computers.

"Did someone add an unwanted email to your account? Now you can
lock down your account and clean up any damage done using your
phone," Facebook explained. "Did a hacker login from across the
globe? You can review that login and
reset your password on your phone."

Facebook also enabled its social authentication tool to work on
smartphones. Unlike traditional captcha password authenticators,
social authentication asks users to verify their identity by
naming people in their photos.